Excerpt: Verrater

“Research don’t mean nothing in war,” Mike said, pointing a carrot at Peter, “All your fancy science and morality and shit, it all goes down the drain when people shoot at ya. Believe me guys, we can train all we want, but the real test is when you’re against people who really want to kill you. It ain’t gonna be pretty. The people who are afraid of dying are gonna break down. Those who ain’t are gonna save their asses every time, and save the lives of the guys next to them too. It’s the only way any of us will survive. Forget about yourself, think about saving your buddies, and everybody’s ass will be covered.”

Peter scribbled fiercely in his notebook, “That is actually quite an eloquent thought. What an interesting thesis around which to base my dissertation. If all players attempt to save their fellows without thought for their own life, what we have is a network of safety holds.”

“Ain’t nothing fancy as that,” Mike said, sheepishly, “Just look out for your buddies more than you look out for yourself. And trust your buddies more than you trust yourself.”

Peter wrote faster and faster, nodding his head.

“Hey Beltane, why don’t you have Mike write your disgustation for you?” Leasel called.